How to compile C source code without a main function?

Question

How can I compile my C source files without needing to put a main function within them?

I get an error for the .cfiles that have no main function and don't want to have to add the main function just for compilation.

Answer 1

On GCC, the -c switch is what you want.

-c means "compile, don't link", and you get a name.o output file.

Answer 2

Suppose you have hello.c:

#include<stdio.h> #include<stdlib.h> _start() {    exit(my_main()); } int my_main() {    printf("Hello");    return 0; } 

Compile as:

gcc  -nostartfiles  hello.c  

and you can get an executable out of it.